Thailand and Malaysia Lead as Top Visa‑Free Destinations for Indian Travellers – Agoda

The latest accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda reveals Thailand and Malaysia as the most preferred visa free international destinations among Indian travellers. Indonesia continues to lead among visa on arrival (VOA) markets.

Visa-Free Leaders:
1. Thailand – beaches, culture, adventure
2. Malaysia – urban + natural experiences
3. Maldives – premium island escapes
4. Philippines – strong growth (+73% YoY), water sports & adventure
5. Nepal, Kazakhstan, Bhutan – cultural immersion, landscapes, wellness

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Leaders:
- Indonesia – continues to dominate, diverse leisure mix
- Sri Lanka – +61% YoY growth, proximity-driven demand
- Laos – strongest growth (+97%), emerging as a culturally rich alternative

Key Trends
- Ease of Entry: Visa-free and VOA destinations are driving demand, showing how simplified access shapes travel choices.
- Growth Hotspots: Laos and the Philippines are emerging strongly, reflecting appetite for new, immersive experiences.
- Indian Traveller Outlook:
- 84% would travel more if visa restrictions weren’t a factor.
- 91% open to exploring new destinations — the highest among Asian peers.

Strategic Impact
- Reinforces India’s role as a major outbound market in Asia.
- Shows a shift toward diverse, culturally immersive yet hassle-free travel.
- Highlights how platforms like Agoda are capturing intent through accommodation search data.

This paints a clear picture: Indian travellers are balancing ease of access with variety of experiences, moving beyond traditional favourites to explore emerging destinations.